Should IRS curb campaigning by political nonprofits?

Tea party and gun rights activists protest against President Obama during a "Second American Revolution" rally in front of the White House on Nov. 19.

Tea party and gun rights activists protest against President Obama during a "Second American Revolution" rally in front of the White House on Nov. 19. (Olivier Douliery / MCT)

The IRS has proposed a crackdown on the political activities of tax-exempt groups. Federal law says nonprofit groups that don't have to disclose their donors or pay taxes can engage in some campaign-related activity, but not if it's their primary purpose. The IRS proposal would more clearly define what constitutes political activity -- not just calls to support a candidate or party, but also get-out-the-vote drives, voter guides and candidate forums. Supporters of the effort say that groups on both ends of the political spectrum have taken advantage of ambiguity in the current law to pump millions of dollars into political campaigns while keeping their tax-exempt status. But critics say the IRS proposal could give the agency the power to harass or shut down organizations critical of the party in power. What do you think?